How to remove PVC glue from clothes

Melynda Sorrels Updated February 21, 2017

As useful as glue is, when it comes into contact with the wrong surface, glue can create big problems. PVC glue is quite strong, as it is usually used to hold pipes together, and on clothing it will adhere with an admirable yet frustrating tenacity, meaning it will take a little extra effort to remove it. Fortunately there are several simple ways to remove this glue and salvage your clothes.

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Fold the garment so that the glue is facing up and place it in the freezer for one to two hours. When the glue is frozen it will chip away easily with a scraper or razor blade.

Spray the garment with WD-40 and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Scrub the area with a clean cloth and launder as usual.

Dab the area with a cotton swab dipped in lighter fluid. This should help to loosen the glue's hold on the fabric. Scrub the area with a clean dry cloth and repeat until all of the glue is gone and launder as usual.

Place an old cloth or piece of wax paper over the glued area. Iron over the spot so that the glue transfers from the clothing onto the wax paper and dispose of it. Launder the garment as usual.

Spray the area with Goo Gone and allow it to soak for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping the glue away with a clean dry cloth. Launder as usual to remove the residual Goo Gone.

Tip

Test the fabric for colour fastness before using each method on an inconspicuous area of the clothes.

Warning

Use caution and wear gloves when handling a razor blade. Make small strokes in the direction away from your body. Ventilate the area well and use extreme caution when using lighter fluid, as it is flammable.